Big Lagoon Rancheria facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 17 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( California) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Tolowa, Yurok | |
| Religion | |
| traditional tribal religion, World Renewal religion, Indian Shaker Church, Assembly of God |
|
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Tolowa and Yurok tribes |
The Big Lagoon Rancheria is a special group of Native Americans from the Yurok and Tolowa tribes. They are a federally recognized tribe, which means the United States government officially recognizes them as a self-governing nation. Their home is in Humboldt County, California, and their main office is in Arcata, California.
About the Big Lagoon Rancheria
The Big Lagoon Rancheria was officially created in 1918. Their land, called a reservation, is about 20 acres (81,000 square meters). It is right next to Big Lagoon, which is a beautiful body of water. This area is about 30 miles (48 km) north of Eureka, California. The reservation is also next to the small community of Big Lagoon, California.
There are eight families living on the reservation. The tribe has worked hard to make things better for their community. They have improved the water systems and the roads on their land. In 2010, the population of the rancheria was 17 people.
Education for Tribal Members
Children and young people from the Big Lagoon Rancheria attend local schools. They are served by the Big Lagoon Union Elementary School District for younger students. Older students go to schools in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District.
How the Tribe Supports Itself
The land of the Big Lagoon Rancheria is very special and needs to be protected. Because of this, the tribe has agreed with the state of California not to build big projects on their reservation.
Instead, the tribe has found other ways to support their community. They have teamed up with another tribe, the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians. Together, they help run the Barstow Casino and Resort in Barstow, California. A casino is a place where people can play games for money. This partnership helps the Big Lagoon Rancheria earn money for their tribe.
The Big Lagoon Rancheria also owns and runs the historic Arcata Hotel. This hotel is located in the nearby city of Arcata.
